FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 2/3
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE – QUESTIONS TO PONDER
~ How can you make Advent an opportunity to share your faith with another?
~ What daily practices in your home will help you turn to God during these weeks of anticipation?
~ Could you schedule a time during the day to be especially alert to God’s presence?
READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120323.cfm
LIVE-STREAMING: Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE for live stream at 8:30 am, Tuesdays & Wednesdays and 4 pm on Saturdays.
PARISH WEBSITE: Visit: www.saintpolycarp.org/.
WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN: CLICK HERE . (New Bulletins are posted on Fridays.)
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: There’s always information that doesn’t fit in our Bulletin – Bulletin Overflow – CLICK HERE
December 24th is both the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve.
Masses for the 4th Sunday in Advent:
Saturday, December 23rd at 4 pm
Sunday, December 24th at 10:30 am. (This Mass is for the 4th Sunday. It is not a Christmas Vigil Mass.)
Masses for Christmas:
Sunday, December 24th at 4 pm and 9 pm
Monday, December 25th at 10 am.
RECONCILIATION – OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEND CONFESSION DURING ADVENT. Need a refresher? CLICK HERE
St. Polycarp Church:
Saturdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm & Following the 10:30 am Mass on Sundays during Advent – December 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th.
St. Dennis Church, Galena MD:
Sundays 7 – 7:30 am & 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 7th & 5:30 pm – 6 pm Thursday, December 21st.
Reconciliation Monday, St. Polycarp & St. Dennis:
Monday, December 18th, from 3 pm – 5 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm, two priests will be present during each session.
Deanery Penance Service at Holy Cross Church, Dover: Thursday, December 14th, at Holy Cross Church, Dover at 7 pm. Multiple priests will be in attendance to hear confessions.
WEEKDAY MASSES:
Weekday Morning Masses will return to the original days/times. During the week, morning Masses will be celebrated only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8:30 am.
Holy Days of Obligation will be scheduled where needed.
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: Friday, December 8th, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day is a Holy Day of Obligation. This day is also the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America. On the Immaculate Conception we remember that Mary was conceived without sin, preparing her with special graces to be the mother of God.
Masses at St. Polycarp for the Holy Day:
Thursday, December 7th, at 4 pm (Vigil Mass)
Friday, December 8th, at 8:30 am and 7 pm. (not 7:30 am)
THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 2/3 (and Monday, December 4th – Friday, December 8th)
SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND is for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Support a lifetime of service. Women and men religious have spent their lives serving others in prayer, ministry, education, and care for those in need-usually for little or no pay. Today, their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. As they age, they require essential care and medications. Please support them by giving to the Retirement Fund for Religious. Please give generously.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30am Mass. (This month – December 3rd and 17th).This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.
THE GIVING TREE – Please return gifts to the hall by this Sunday, December 3rd. Questions? Contact Fran Walls at (302) 653 – 1450.
ANNUAL TURKEY & HAM DRIVE – The St Vincent De Paul Society, along with the Knights of Columbus, will be conducting the Annual Christmas Gift Program. Parishioners are asked to donate a turkey or ham. Gift cards (not to exceed $30.00) are also greatly appreciated. Kindly bring your frozen turkey, ham or gift card to St. Polycarp’s Church parking lot on Thursday evening, December 7th between 6:30 to 7:30 pm. St Vincent de Paul members will deliver the turkeys, hams and gift cards Saturday morning, December 9th, between 9 am to noon, to those in need within the parish boundaries. Someone must be home to receive these gifts. If you know of anyone who is in need of a turkey/ham/gift card, please call St. Vincent de Paul at (302) 264-6630.
BE BRAVE, ANSWER THE CALL: Are you a Catholic living in harmony with the teachings of the Church? Are you at least 18 years old? Have you received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist & Confirmation? Are you sufficiently mature to perform the duties of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass or to the sick and homebound? These are the qualifications needed to be considered for Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. If this is a ministry you feel God calling you to, please contact Cindy Kennedy at Kennedy-078@msn.com. Formation and training will begin early January
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9am to 8pm in the Chapel. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 9 am and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour… We are still in need of people to fill in the following openings 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am; 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com.
HELP NEEDED: The Parish Office is looking for someone to help at the front desk on Tuesday mornings from 9 to noon. If you are willing and able to serve in this ministry, please contact Kathy in the parish office at (302) 653-8279 or office@saintpolycarp.org.
EARLY DEADLINES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY BULLETINS: During the busy holiday season, the bulletin is due earlier to the publisher. All submissions that you would like to appear in the bulletin, need to be submitted earlier than usual. Plan ahead! If you plan on having an insert, please contact Judy immediately. Insert deadlines are sooner than the deadlines listed below! ALL Submissions (including inserts or questions about inserts) should be emailed to submission@saintpolycarp.org. Judy can also be reached at the parish office (302) 653-8279.
Bulletin Date December 17th – Submissions due December 6th by noon; Bulletin Date December 24th – Submissions due December 12th end of day; Bulletin Date – Submissions due by December 19th end of day; Bulletin January 7th Submissions due by December 26th end of day.
CHRISTMAS NOVENA: Christmas is a time to reflect on the blessings of family and shared togetherness. We exchange gifts as an act of love and appreciation, but there is no greater gift we can give than the gift of the Holy Mass. Although a loved one may no longer be present to share this time with us, let us remember that, now more than ever, they rely upon us for their spiritual well-being. Take a moment to show your affection by praying on their behalf. Living or deceased, the best gift you can give is the gift of the Mass. Please use the Christmas Novena envelope to show your loved ones they have not been forgotten.
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: Advent is a time of preparation. Just like parents in every time and every location prepare for the birth of their child, Mary and Joseph did their best to welcome the Holy Child in the humble surroundings where our Lord entered the world. Wouldn’t this be the ideal time to proclaim the birth of our Savior by decorating our Church with all the splendor befitting the birth of the King of Kings? During this Advent season, please consider using the Christmas flower envelope to help us proclaim our joy as we rejoice in the birth of our Lord.
2023 FAITH AND CHARITY CATHOLIC APPEAL: We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those parishioners who have already contributed to our parish Faith and
Charity Catholic Appeal. We are $4,409.92 above the $60,000 goal in pledges; however, we have not yet met our goal in amounts collected. If you’ve pledged, kindly ensure your payments are up to date. Your commitment matters greatly. Thank you for your continued support.
Once we reach our goal in collected donations, we will receive back half of the money collected above the goal for projects around our campus. We invite those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to give to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal to join us in spreading the spirit of gratitude. Envelopes can be found at the doors of the Church. To learn more about the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal,” or simply scan this QR code with your cellphone.
NEXT WEEKEND, December 9/10 (and Monday, December 11th – Friday, December 15th)
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION will take place next Saturday, December 9th (the Vigil Mass before the 2nd Sunday of the month) at the 4 pm Mass. Please do not leave before Fr. Jim exits the Church.) Silent prayer continues until 6. We begin Advent this weekend. Spend some time quietly with Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His birth. When you leave, please do so quietly as others are praying to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. .
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/ Next Sunday, December 10, 10:30 am Mass – Donna Adams, December 24, 4 pm – Stephanie Roch.
UPCOMING
BREAKFAST WITH JESUS: Come join us, after Mass, on Sunday, December 17th, for BREAKFAST WITH JESUS. Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus will be serving a delicious breakfast to all. Let us celebrate the upcoming birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Breakfast is free, donations will be accepted. St. Nicholas (Santa) may be attending!
COLUMBIETTES COOKIE WALK 2023 will take place the weekend of December 16th and 17th. You will be able to purchase delicious cookies lovingly baked by our Columbiettes! Details to follow in future bulletins!
ROCK AND ROLL TRIBUTE “SAVE THE DATE”: Come join us on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 to ROCK in the New Year. Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus along with our Columbiettes is sponsoring a ROCK AND ROLL TRUBUTE with an evening of dinner and dancing.
Mr. Charisma will be back to entertain us.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
NEEDED – NEW MINISTRY SCHEDULER: We are currently looking for someone to take over the scheduling of our ministers for the Weekend Masses and Holy Days of Obligation. This person must have good PC organization and computer skills. If you think you might be interested in this position, please call Frank Patton at (302) 508-5268.
SACRISTAN NEEDED: We are still in need of someone to step forward to serve as sacristan. Sacristans have the duty to arrive early to the Church in order to unlock the doors and prepare the Church for Mass. Becoming a sacristan would be a great way to learn more about our beautiful liturgy and become more involved in carrying it out. No previous knowledge is required. If you are interested, please contact the head sacristan Adam Bauer at ajpd.bauer@gmail.com.
DIRECTORY COORDINATOR: The Pastoral Council is looking for a parishioner to coordinate the preparation for a new directory for Saint Polycarp. Our last directory was published in 2018 and we understand there may be an interest in producing a new directory. Please contact Kathy Curlett at (302) 222 – 9326 if you are interested.
ONGOING
SATURDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION at St. Polycarp will take place monthly at the Vigil Mass for the Second Sunday of the month. December 9th. Eucharistic Adoration at St. Dennis Church (Galena MD) will take place on the Fourth Sunday of the month following the 8 am Sunday Mass. (November 26th).
TUESDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Tuesdays from 9am to 8pm in the Chapel. We are still in need of people to fill in the following openings 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am; 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and people to fill in when others are ill or cannot attend. Do you have one hour to spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Call Cheryl Thomas at (302) 363 – 0404 or email her at salcrest7@gmail.com. All are welcome to stop in and adore Jesus between 9 am and 8 pm in the Chapel on Tuesdays. Stay for 10 minutes, 1 hour…
THE VOCATION CHALICE MINISTRY: Please consider signing up to host the vocation chalice in your home for a week. Families and individuals are encouraged to sign up! Text or call Alice Gaston at (302) 670 – 7924. For more information visit https://saintpolycarp.org/vocation-chalice/ December 10, 10:30 am Mass – Donna Adams, December 24, 4 pm Mass – S. Roch.
CONNECTED IN CHRIST (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets every Tuesday at 9:00 am in the Parish Library – ALL are welcome. Please join us. If you have any questions, please call Cookie Ruane at (302) 540 – 6429.
FAITH WITH FRIENDS (ADULT FAITH FORMATION) meets the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm in Room 7. Everyone is invited. Questions? Contact Ashley Wilson at (302) 535-4118.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month during the 10:30am Mass. (This month – November 5th and 19th).This is a wonderful opportunity for children in PreK-4th grade. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community in an engaging and interactive style. They will listen to Scripture and engage in discussions about what they have heard at their age level. Children will be called forward before the First Reading and will return to you after the General Intercessions. Our lead catechist is Anna Skinner. She, along with her assistants, have cleared background checks.
GLUTEN FREE? Do you have an intolerance to gluten? If so, our parish offers gluten-free wafers to be consecrated for you. Please see our Sacristan 10 – 15 minutes before Mass and let them know that you need a gluten-free wafer put in the pyx. At Communion, please proceed down the aisle to the priest who will have the pyx in his hand and let him know you need a gluten-free host.
IS THAT YOU, FR. JIM? If you receive emails or texts from Fr. Jim asking for favors, gift cards or gifts or stating something similar to “I am currently busy in a meeting now, no calls so just reply to my email.”, please ignore and delete. If an email looks suspicious and you’re not sure, give the office a call.
FORMED: Thanks to a very generous and thoughtful parishioner, our FORMED Subscription has been RENEWED for another year! Please SIGN UP NOW and begin enjoying the abundant amount of Catholic content that FORMED has to offer! You won’t be disappointed! To gain full access to FORMED; follow these simple steps:
~Go to: www.formed.org or scan QR Code
~Enter our parish’s zip code (19977)
~Click on St. Polycarp Church
~Enter your name and your email address
REDNER’S MARKETS 1% SAVE-A-TAPE FUNDRAISER: Turn your food shopping into cash for our parish. Simply be sure to obtain and scan your Redner’s Rewards Card each time you shop. Save your whole receipt. Bring your receipts to the Parish Office or put them into the collection basket. There is no expiration date – you can turn in receipts months old!
THE SMYRNA/CLAYTON MINISTERIUM FOOD PANTRY is located downstairs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna. The pantry is open from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Monday thru Friday. Here at St. Polycarp we have bins under the coat rack in the hallway near the bathrooms to accept your donations. Please, no expired items.
BULLETIN SPONSORS: Thank you to all of our weekly bulletin sponsors for your support during the year! Your support has not gone unnoticed by our parish community and is so appreciated!
USEFUL LINKS:
WEBSITE: www.saintpolycarp.org.
BULLETIN: https://www.jppc.net/onlinebulletins/301template.pdf
BULLETIN OVERFLOW: https://saintpolycarp.org/this-weeks-bulletin/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/StPolycarpSmyrnaDE
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SaintPolycarpCatholicChurch/
ONLINE GIVING: Please consider becoming an e-giver. It is easy to make your weekly or one time contributions in support of the Parish. For more information and to sign up for online giving, visit faith.direct/DE831
ST DENNIS: http://www.stdennischurch.org
DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON – LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/user/DioceseofWilm
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD’S CHILDREN: https://www.cdow.org/giving/fsgc/
THE DIALOG: http://thedialog.org/ Newspaper of the Diocese, copies available as you leave Church or online
EWTN: ewtn.com
FROM THE DIOCESE:
CATHOLIC FORUM/RELEVANT RADIO: Saturdays at 1:30 pm on Relevant Radio 640AM. Learn about “Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church” when author, H. W. Crocker is interviewed on the Dec. 2nd Catholic Forum podcast. CLICK HERE You can listen online at cdow.org/CatholicForum, or by searching “Catholic Forum” on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Amazon Music podcasts. “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at facebook.com/CatholicForum @CatholicForum.
LET US PRAY: BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family.
All make the Sign of the Cross as the leader says:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Response (R/.) Who made heaven and earth.
Then the Scripture, Isaiah 9: (lines 1-2 and 5-6) or Isaiah 63 (lines 16-17 & 19) or Isaiah 64 (lines 2-7) is read:
Reader: The word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.
With hands joined, the leader says:
Lord our God,
we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:
he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,
he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,
he is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light
be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.
May he come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
The blessing may conclude with a verse from
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of humankind;
bid ev’ry sad division cease
and be thyself our Prince of peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
(taken from USCCB)